The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular and beautiful route to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, begining with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.
The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. The climb begins in the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route and Overnights on the Machame Route will be in tents. On the 7-day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested. The 7-day Machame route is highly recommended.
Day 0: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi/ Arusha
Day 1: Moshi/ Arusha – Machame gate – Machame camp
Day 2: Machame camp – Shira 2 camp
Day 3: Shira 2 camp – Lava tower – Barranco camp
Day 4: Barranco camp – Karanga
Day 5: Karanga – Barafu camp
Day 6: Barafu camp – Uhuru Peak (summit point) – Mweka camp
Day 7: Mweka camp – Mweka gate – Back to Moshi
The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular and beautiful route to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, begining with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.
The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. The climb begins in the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route and Overnights on the Machame Route will be in tents. On the 7-day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested. The 7-day Machame route is highly recommended.
Day 0: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi/ Arusha
Day 1: Moshi/ Arusha – Machame gate – Machame camp
Day 2: Machame camp – Shira 2 camp
Day 3: Shira 2 camp – Lava tower – Barranco camp
Day 4: Barranco camp – Karanga
Day 5: Karanga – Barafu camp
Day 6: Barafu camp – Uhuru Peak (summit point) – Mweka camp
Day 7: Mweka camp – Mweka gate – Back to Moshi